IRONMAN Glen Duggan Inspired By Wifes Battle

When the going gets tough during next month’s inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast Glen Duggan won't have to look far for inspiration.

The 40-year-old Gold Coast local knows that whatever pain he's feeling during the race it will be nothing compared to what his wife, who is battling breast cancer, has gone through in the past 7 months.

"It might sound cliché but I think of her every minute of every day. I think she will excuse me on race day if I'm thinking about my legs moving and just breathing. My few hours of pain is nothing compared to her last 7 months, so I will use that where I need to come race day," said Duggan.

"I have an amazing family, a wife that is stronger than she realizes, and with all that has gone on in our lives; all I have is the will to get back out there."

Duggan’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in December last year. It was a tough period for the family with the test results coming just after Duggan's grandmother passed away.

Glad to see the back of 2012, which also saw Duggan turn 40, he decided to slip into his wetsuit and have another crack at triathlon.

"I have always competed in triathlon after trying corporate tri too many years ago to mention now. That said the last two and a half years has seen much change in my life. A time where the race shoes were rested and I dedicated my energies and efforts to family," Duggan says.

"Joey - my youngest boy has Ocular Albinism, (which is a form of albinism that presents just in the eyes). Essentially he is like most kids, but is fearless because he cannot always understand the danger. He is not blind, and to be honest we have been very lucky as each year his eyes seem to get better.

Duggan is excited to be racing on the Sunshine Coast.

"I'm really motivated to compete as Mooloolaba is such a special place to race. I have always loved racing the shorter races up there, but it has been 2006 since that last happened. It's been too long between races in such a beautiful place that is not that far from home on the Gold Coast," he says.

Two and a half years on the sideline has meant Duggan has a time in mind, but most of all he is looking forward to rejoining the community that makes up the sport he loves.

"This is my first race for a while so it really is about turning the tap back on in part of my life that doesn't define me, but makes up a large part of the individual I am," he says.

"This sport really brings out so many amazing attributes, from those that train with you through to family support; this is an amazing way to embrace life."

The inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast will be held on Sunday, 15 September 2013.